Leggatt as an Independent Character

A detailed Summary of Leggatt as an Independent Character

in Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Sharer"

This essay examines Leggatt as an independent person, rather than as a

symbol connected to the captain-narrator, a view shared by many critics.

Leggatt is not a negative influence on the captain per se. From an

objective point of view, it can be seen that Leggatt's portrayal depends

entirely on how the captain (as narrator) perceives him, and that he

deserves to be treated as the individual being that he is.

Many of Conrad's critics, most notably Albert J. Guerard , Robert W.

Stallmann , have taken the view that Leggatt, of the novella "The Secret

Sharer," is either some sort of symbol of the captain's dark side, a

kind of role model for the captain, or that he is part of the captain.

In this essay I will first examine the captain's portrayal of Leggatt,

then argue that Leggatt is none of these, rather, he is a complete

person in and of himself, and not simply part of the captain's

At first glance it would seem that Leggatt is either the antagonist or

provides a criminal influence on the captain. By no means are Leggatt's

decisions and actions exemplary. Murdering mutinous crew members is

reality, Leggatt is doing the opposite; he is lowering himself into the

Watts, Cedric. A Preface to Conrad. 2nd ed. New York: Longman

and Seamen and the Sea. New York: National University Publications,

Leggatt's crime do not make his behavior acceptable, it does make it

The mate got up, wanting to fight, but Leggatt grabbed a hold of his

Leggatt and the captain discover soon after they first meet that they

merely a person, independent and as free as he can be while fleeing from

be told, I was somewhat of a stranger to myself" (Conrad 137-138). At

his career, crew, ship, and life. However, Leggatt is not responsible

fugitive. This causes him to falter, and consequently, makes him appear

this confidante cannot be a crew member since they all know each other,

Approximate Word count = 2328
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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